Supple on and in water. Playful in a way few other creatures seem to be. Diver of the kelp beds at sea, sleek hunter among weeds in the rivers. Cruncher of crabs and catcher of silver-scaled salmon. Otters seem to radiate a zest for life!

It's the feathered superstar of the Scottish uplands. Keen-eyed, sharp-taloned. Hunter of the hills and moors, soarer of the mountains. It can see you a mile away. If you're lucky, you'll see it too and never forget.

Scotland's Big 5

Scotland's Big 5 are five
iconic wild animals - the red squirrel, the red deer, the harbour
seal, the otter and the golden eagle. On this site
you'll discover more about the remarkable lives of the Big 5, find
the best places around Scotland to see them, and learn expert tips
on how to spot each animal in the wild.